This person's remarks? "Sooo does everyone who participates make it to All-State?" Alluding to the fact speech and debate programs are viewed as insignificant with very few competitors. My answer: No. Much like any other competition-be it athletic or artistic-performing at the state-level is a huge honor. Annually, 40,000 students from 487 Iowa schools take part in speech extra-curriculars.
It's time art and drama programs receive the respect they deserve. Being involved in the arts stimulates creativity in problem solving, challenges perceptions, role exploration, and of course, improves communication! Those who have participated in drama activities are less likely to have difficulty speaking in public, will be more persuasive in their communications-written and oral, relate better with others, and have a more positive, confident self image.
Not to mention, speech also teaches: self control, articulation, discipline, cooperation, tolerance, and empathy.
Imagine state legislatures consisting of representatives who cannot speak, lawyers without the ability to present a convincing argument, and teachers who cannot explain a lesson concisely.
The importance of speech is abundantly clear. Iowa's speech programs provide vital life skills. Take speech away, and what you're left with is a jumble of ideas without any substance.
I encourage you all to attend a IHSSA All-State Large Group Speech performance this Saturday at the Scheman Building in Ames. You'll be impressed and proud of the students' efforts.
Check the website for performances times and see if there are performers from your high school:
www.ihssa.org
Or you can tag along with me! I'll be there from 9-12 :-)
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